That's not enough for teachers, who think overcrowded classrooms and heavy teacher work load are the main sticking points in negotiations.

Portland teacher Adam Sanchez made it very clear that he thought the money should be spent on teachers, and let the board know what could happen if it isn't when he said "No teacher wants to go on strike, we want to be teaching our kids, but if it takes going on strike to make you see that, then we're ready to walk."

The board voted to use the surplus money for teachers, and also adding classroom assistants, supporting athletics, and bringing back a student discipline program.

Monday's meeting was about the school budget, but not directly about the teacher contracts.